Eifs Siding Problems

Before the eifs industry knew what had happened the news media was reporting building defects in these eifs houses.

Eifs siding problems.

85 of all remediation costs less than 1500 and is usually a maintenance issue. The components principally affected are the interior and exterior gypsum sheathing the metal or wood studs and the fiberglass cavity insulation. Keep in mind water intrusion is cumulative. This mechanism of deterioration.

The typical moisture damage in an eifs assembly is deterioration due to mold wood decay fungi and corrosion leading to decay loss of strength and discoloration. The longer water penetrates the building envelope the greater the potential damage. Eifs are vulnerable to damage due to the combination of a thin stucco coating over a soft base make. Eifs is usually sprayed onto mesh that is mounted to styrofoam type of material.

Moisture accumulation in the wall cavity. In march of 1999 the nahb national association of home builders research center listed the most common problems they found that were associated with water intrusion in eif systems as being. The eifs layers bond together to form a covering that doesn t breathe. Why eifs problems occur.

Damage can be repaired but not easily. These problems include moisture accumulation in the wall cavity subsequent wood damage and in more advanced cases mold growth and the infestation of pests such as carpenter ants or termites. But eifs houses were still the focal point. While the focus was on eifs clad houses it would soon be learned that the water intrusion problem occurred in all houses regardless of the cladding.

To compensate for this the mesh is coated with plastic and the alkaline environment is buffered chemically. Windows doors electrical outlets roof flashings deck flashings below grade installation. The problems with barrier eifs cladding all stem from water intrusion. Sealant joints are a major source of problems with eifs cladding.

Constant exposure to moisture can lead to dry rot in wood when moisture has no place to go. Using the soft styrofoam substrate allows the builder to use less of cement stucco material. Impacts to the surface can result in cracks. Damage can be repaired siding replaced.

Incorrect selection or application of sealants or missing sealants provides an easy path for water entry and premature deterioration. Inappropriate sealant may even lead to cohesive failure of the eifs finish coat. That s fine when no moisture is present behind the covering but moisture can become trapped behind the layers if it seeps in.